Holiday scams are on the rise, the Better Business Bureau warns.

These scams come in all shapes and sizes and can happen online or while standing in line. Some involve the promise of a holiday job or free gift cards from your favorite retailer. Others involve people posing as charities, puppy breeders and even your loved ones.

With so many potential scams out there, the BBB has once again released a list of the Top 12 most-pervasive scams of the season and how to avoid them.

Look-alike websites

This scam usually starts with what looks like a legitimate email from a favorite store announcing gifts, deals or sales. Designed to look identical to the legitimate websites, this scam tricks consumers into entering their private information, including credit card and bank account numbers, onto a fake site. Scammers also use fake websites to gain access to your computer so they can download Malware on to it. To avoid this scam, look for misspellings and grammar errors in the email containing the invite. Hover over links without clicking to see where they route to and only enter private information on sites that begin with https. The “s” indicates the site is secure.

Social media gift exchange

It may sound fun, but purchasing one gift and receiving several in return is actually a pyramid scheme, which the BBB says is illegal.

Grandparent scams

In this scenario, a scammer poses as a grandchild in distress. Often the poser claims they have been in an accident, arrested or hospitalized and they need money wired to them right away. To avoid this scam, grandparents should ask the caller personal questions only their loved one would know. Calling other family members to verify the situation is also helpful. Finally, the BBB warns that consumers should always be wary when asked to wire money or send gift cards instead of paying with a credit card.

Temporary holiday jobs

Fraudsters will pose as legitimate employers during the months leading up to the holidays in order to collect private information from job applicants. To avoid this scam, apply in person or go directly to the company’s website rather than following the links provided. Don’t give personal information to an employer over the phone or online before meeting them for an interview. Always be suspicious of jobs that require you to pay for equipment or software upfront.

Free gift cards

According to Elizabeth Garcia, president of the North Alabama BBB, phishing schemes like this one are a major problem this season. She said her office is receiving a growing number of complaints about email and text scams in which private information must be entered to receive a free gift card. These free gift cards may also be offered through pop-up ads on one’s smartphone or computer. To avoid this scam, don’t open “phishy” emails. If you do, don’t click the links. Also, don’t click ads that pop up on your screen. If you do so accidentally, close the app or program, clear your history and turn on your ad blocker.

E-cards

Not even Christmas cards are safe from scams. Verify that the electronic Christmas cards in your inbox are valid by looking for the sender’s name and don’t give up personal information to open the card. Often the attachments containing these fake cards will end in “exe.” Exe stands for the execute command and could result in a downloaded virus if opened.

Fake shipping notifications

This is another phishing scam in which a false notification email is sent out by what looks like a legitimate business, complete with company name and logo. Opening one of these emails can give thieves access to your personal information and passwords. Be aware that you are not required to pay money to receive your package and that delivery services do not need your personal information to deliver your packages.

So far this year, Garcia’s office has fielded a lot of complaints about phony shipping texts from Amazon. “They are phishing for more information about that order,” she said. “They are trying to get remote access to your personal computer so they can get at your personal information and possibly gain control of your computer.”

Phony charities

Scammers have no qualms about posing as charities. These tips will help prevent your money form falling into the wrong hands. Listen carefully for sound-alike charity names and verify the charity at www.give.org.

Letters from Santa

Yes, even St. Nick can be hacked. Avoid this scam by avoiding unsolicited email offers featuring special prices or packages for Letters from Santa. As with any new business, always check the BBB’s website at www.bbb.org to verify the legitimacy of a company.

Unusual forms of payment

When making purchases, be wary of anyone who asks for an unusual form of payment, such as a prepaid debit or gift cards, wire transfers or third-party payments. These cannot be traced or reversed.

Travel scams

Travel bargains are especially appealing during the holidays when finances can be tight. To avoid travel scams, consumers should be cautious of unsolicited email offers, especially from unknown companies. Also don’t pay for the trip by wiring money, and make it a practice to ask for references.

Puppy scams

When considering adding a puppy to your Christmas list, make sure to do an image search online of your potential pet’s photo. If multiple websites pop up, it’s probably a scam. Know your prices. As the old adage goes: If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Again, use the BBB’s website to verify the legitimacy of the breeder or rescue shelter, and do not use a money order or Western Union MoneyGram to pay for your pup. Instead, use a credit card because it allows you to dispute charges.

It’s important to note that although most people assume senior citizens are the primary targets of these types of scams, Garcia said recent research shows consumers between ages 24 and 34 are just as likely to be scammed because they do so much shopping and other activities online.

To report a scam, call 256-355-5170 or got to www.bbb.org/scamtracker.